TALENTLIFT SECURE REPORTING

TalentLift is committed to providing services, programming and a workplace free from sexual exploitation and abuse. This is part of TalentLift's broader commitment to maintaining an inclusive, equitable organization that is free from harassment, bullying and discrimination. To ensure the realization of this goal, this policy has been created to establish that staff adequately understand the concept of sexual exploitation and abuse and their responsibilities in preventing it. Importantly, this policy also outlines reporting protocols and procedures that are timely, effective and readily available to survivors.

This policy applies to our work with all individuals engaged with TalentLift whether as team members, board members, consultants, volunteers, partners, or candidates.

Principles

All services, programming and spaces, both physical and digital, will be available to any individual in a manner that:

• Is free from discrimination, including gender-based discrimination;
• Is free from sexual exploitation or abuse of any kind, including any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates an individual's dignity;
• Does not harm or take advantage of others, especially those belonging to a vulnerable group such as children or people living as refugees.

Definition

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR):

Sexual abuse is "the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions."

Sexual exploitation is "any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially, or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. It includes but is not limited to exchanging money, employment, goods or services for sex. This includes transactional sex regardless of the legal status of sex work in the country. It also includes any situation where sex is coerced or demanded by withholding or threatening to withhold goods or services or by blackmailing."

Note that any sexual activity with children (those under 18 years of age) is considered sexual abuse.

Canada's criminal code defines sexual exploitation in more detail here, and the Government of Canada outlines the responsibilities of organizations engaged in international assistance here.

Reporting or raising concerns

Employees and any member of our community are encouraged to report any incidents and raise any concerns about sexual exploitation and abuse. Whenever possible, reports should be submitted in writing. All reports will be kept confidential and only shared with necessary individuals when required.

Employees and any member of our community can do this by alerting any one of the following contacts, choosing whomever they feel most comfortable with:

• Any member of TalentLift's management team, or
• The TalentLift Board of Directors or Board Chair via this webform.

Employees and any member of our community are especially encouraged to contact the Board Chair if an incident or concern relates to the Managing Director.

Those wishing to make anonymous reports should contact the TalentLift Board Chair and express clearly the wish to remain anonymous.

In the case of a report of sexual exploitation or abuse:

• The Managing Director or Board Chair must act quickly and carry out fair, confidential investigations;
• TalentLift may seek third-party assistance or legal counsel;
• Appropriate action will be taken, including disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment and/or pursuit of legal action.

Sexual exploitation or abuse are considered serious criminal offences and are subject to termination with cause. Should an offence lead to an outside investigation, TalentLift will assist legal authorities to the fullest extent.

Feedback on this policy

TalentLift warmly welcomes feedback on the manner in which it implements this policy as well as ideas for safeguarding against sexual exploitation and abuse across our services, programming and spaces, both physical and digital.